Next Public Performance
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Eisenhower Public Library's 50th Anniversary Festival
Harwood Heights, Illinois
12:00 Noon - 12:45 PM
The Library celebrates its 50th Anniversary with the
Barefoot Hawaiian performing
This performance will be outdoors
The complete festival runs from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM with
the
Barefoot Hawaiian kicking things off with a 45-minute performance at 12:00 Noon
The Eisenhower Public Library writes...
"Since we first opened our doors in 1973, we've been grateful to be a part of the communities of Norridge and Harwood Heights. To thank you for 50 years of support, we're throwing a '70s themed party and you're invited!
"On Sunday, October 1st the Library grounds will be transformed into a 1970s-era festival with activities for all ages. Between sets from the Elvis trubte
[sic] artist Hugo Conlin and the Barefoot Hawaiian Dancers, boogie down to the sounds of the '70s with our DJ. Drop into our Kid's Zone to play some classic games and win prizes. Check out our Rec Room for retro video games, ping pong, and more. Wear your grooviest '70's attire for our costume parade and take a selfie in our photo booth. The library will be closed for service but don't forget to hustle inside for some funky crafts and chow down on a free donut from Allegretti's Bakery."
Eisenhower Public Library
4613 N. Oketo
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
708-867-7828
Eisenhower Public Library Web Site
Barefoot Hawaiian Founder and
Owner
Featured in Chicago's Field Museum Exhibit
If you are planning a visit this Fall to Chicago's
world-renowned Field Museum of Natural History, be sure to
stop by the exhibit honoring and titled "Chicago's
Legacy Hula". This exhibit created by the
Field Museum and the Aloha Center of Chicago, takes you
back to the early days and the beginnings of the Hawaiian
cultural explosion that was happening in Chicago as well as
all across the mainland United States back in the 1950's
and 1960's.
Hula was all raged back then and multiple places were
opening up all across the city and suburbs that featured
Hawaiian cuisine and dance performances. Among them
was Barefoot Hawaiian's founder and still owner, Gwen
Kennedy, performing on stage at the age of 3.

Barefoot Hawaiian dancers
Cat, Marlene, and Jocelyn overlook the slide of Barefoot
Hawaiian founder and owner
Gwen Kennedy performing on stage at the age of 3 in the
1950's at Chicago's famous Honolulu Harry's Club Waikiki
So don't miss this exhibit if you happen to visit the field
museum this summer and give Gwen a shout that you
did. Gwen is most pleased to have been a part of the
early history and beginnings of the Hula Legacy in
Chicago. She is even more pleased to have literally
(since age 3) made it her life's work to keep that culture
going and keep the spirit of Aloha alive in Chicago and
throughout the Midwest.
Her company, The Barefoot Hawaiian,
is her legacy to that continued dedication.
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